MORE than 500 people from the Sikh community in Coventry joined together to celebrate the 300 years of their religion's holy scriptures.

Young and old took part in a charity walk through the city's streets to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Veteran marathon runner Fouja Singh, aged 97, from Ilford, lead the 8km walk from the Ramgarhia Gurdwara in Foleshill Road.

He has completed 10 marathons, including six in London, and is currently reckoned to be the fastest man over the age of 90.

Organiser Harjinder Singh said: "We are delighted to have the world-famous Fouja with us to start the charity walk.

"This is a really special celebration. It is not something we celebrate every year. It is a once in a lifetime. This is a massive celebration in India where thousands gather. We have had religious ceremonies and singers all weekend to mark the occasion."

Retired teacher Surinder Kaur Kalsi, founder of the Maha Rani Jinda Kaur Group, which meets in the annex next to the Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara in Foleshill Road, took part and helped raise money for charity.

She started the club seven years ago to encourage older women who might otherwise be stuck at home to venture out and socialise more. The group is named in honour of the last Sikh queen who died during the 19th century.

She said: "We have about 30 ladies in the group and we are raising money for different charities."

The charities supported by the event include Myton Hospice, Pingalwara, Amritsar and other local and international organisations.

Hundreds of members of Leamington's Sikh community were also out in force yesterday to celebrate the anniversary. Three floats accompanied walk-ers in a procession through the town from the Sikh Temple at the Queensway Trading Estate.